If you’re in search of a spooky destination in Arkansas, consider exploring the Bassett Cemetery in Blytheville, rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of a family brutally murdered in the 1930s. Below unfolds the chilling tale of this haunted cemetery.
The Tragedy of the Bassett Family
The Bassett family, once affluent and influential in Blytheville, owned a sizable cotton plantation and multiple businesses. Comprising Joseph Bassett, his wife Lillian, their four children, and their maid, the family met a gruesome fate on the night of October 9, 1935. While having dinner at their mansion, a knock on the door led to Joseph’s fatal encounter with a man wielding a shotgun. The assailant proceeded to shoot Lillian and the four children, leaving only the maid as the sole survivor. She managed to escape through a back door, seeking help from a neighbor.
Upon police arrival, the bodies of the Bassett family were discovered, accompanied by a note reading: “You have been warned. This is only the beginning,” signed by The Phantom. Despite a thorough manhunt, The Phantom’s identity and motives remained elusive, with no evidence connecting him to the crime.
The Enigma of Bassett Cemetery
The Bassett family found their final resting place in the Bassett Cemetery on their plantation. Enclosed by a wrought iron fence, adorned with a stone gate bearing the family name, the cemetery soon became a center of rumors and legends. Reported paranormal activities include:
- Nighttime echoes of gunshots, screams, and pleas for help.
- Apparitions of the Bassett family, dressed in dinner attire, wandering the cemetery or lingering near their graves.
- Sensations of cold spots, touches, and unexplained pushes during visits.
- Discoveries of fresh flowers, candles, and notes on the family’s graves, despite no recorded visitors.
- Sightings of the inscription “The Phantom was here” on the stone gate or fence.
Despite numerous attempts to unravel the mystery and debunk the haunting, none have succeeded. Some claim encounters with The Phantom, who allegedly chases or threatens those who dare investigate. The cemetery remains an enigma, evoking fear among both locals and visitors.
Conclusion
Bassett Cemetery stands as one of Arkansas’ most haunted locales, and perhaps one of the nation’s. The tale is both terrifying and tragic, with persistent and eerie reports of haunting. If you possess the courage, a visit might be in order. However, be forewarned – the discoveries may not be to your liking.